Last updated at 19:40, Tuesday, 04 August 2009

The uniform you wore at school may be one of the most distinctive memories of your school days.

When Richard Rose Academy was formed, a new school uniform was required

Love it or hate it, most schools have a uniform or at least a dress code that pupils have to adhere to with the aim of giving a sense of pride and belonging.

While fashions have changed dramatically over the years the school uniform has gradually evolved but it seems the basics have remained much the same.

The symbols of the traditional English schoolboy uniform is of a blazer, cap, short trousers and a leather satchel and while caps, short trousers and satchels are more a thing of the past blazers still remain a smart and practical feature of many school uniforms.

The basic uniform today generally consists of black trousers for boys and a skirt or trousers for girls, a shirt for boys and blouse for girls, a sweatshirt, blazer and tie.

What makes these garments individual is the colour and the school’s logo.

Uniforms may change due to a reorganisation of schools, such as the secondary schools in Carlisle or because there is a need to update them.

When North Cumbria Technology College, St Aidan’s School and Morton School in Carlisle merged to form the Richard Rose Academy a new uniform and logo was needed and slight adjustments have been made to it for September.

The school uniform at West Lakes Academy in Egremont was designed by pupils of Ehenside School and Wyndham School – the two secondary schools that merged to form the academy which opened in 2008.

Meanwhile, to mark the 50th anniversary of Caldew School, Dalston, a new uniform is being introduced in September.

Uniforms are now more common in primary schools.

Sue and Alan Rogerson of The Uniform Shop in Denton Holme, Carlisle sell every school essential under one roof. They can supply all the uniform garments and then the school logos are added at their family business Carlisle Embroidery.

Alan said: “The basic uniform hasn’t changed much over the years.

“The main changes we see in school uniforms is in fabrics, which have changed for the better. The school logo is important so that children can be recognised.”

The Uniform Shop also sells dance shoes, plimsolls, ties, outdoor jackets and also work wear and the rush for school uniforms is followed by demand for brownies, guides, cubs and scouts uniforms.

Sue said: “It is important to offer quality and value for money because it can be a big expense for families so a school uniform should be a good investment. Parents would have to pay more if their children didn’t have a school uniform.”

First published at 11:30, Tuesday, 04 August 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk